520: Chapter 520 Weakening the National Strength of Loulan

Zhang Qian stepped onto the stage, cleared his throat, and said, "Everyone, today's auction has been truly spectacular. Thanks to your enthusiastic participation, our auction concludes here."

"Will the distinguished guests who successfully bid for items please transfer the grain; we shall exchange the goods upon payment."

"Of course, of course."

A-yi-mu and the other nobles who had won bids all nodded.

After returning backstage, Zhang Qian was still in disbelief.

Not only him, but Xiang Liang, Fan Zeng, Tian Feng, Zhao Xuan, Han Zhao, and the others were all standing frozen in place, staring at Zhao Fusu with a shocked, slack-jawed expression.

Their eyes were wide and round, as if their eyeballs were about to pop out, and their mouths were slightly agape unconsciously, their faces filled with incredulity.

In their original estimation, the starting price for that light catcher was as high as thirty thousand dan of grain, which was undoubtedly a staggering figure.

In their understanding, such an exorbitant starting price would most likely deter many bidders, ultimately leading to the item going unsold.

After all, even for these wealthy nobles, thirty thousand dan of grain was by no means a small amount, let alone for those with slightly less financial power.

But the situation had greatly exceeded their expectations.

They never imagined that such an absurd starting price would not only avoid a failed auction but would instead be sold for the high price of one hundred thousand dan under the fierce competition of the noblewomen.

This result was like a bolt from the blue, exploding in their hearts.

Zhang Qian was the first to snap out of it; shaking his head gently, he muttered to himself, "This... this is simply unbelievable. I was certain this price would scare everyone off, but I didn't expect..."

His voice was filled with wonder and regret—wonder at Zhao Fusu's precise prediction, and regret at his own shortsightedness in failing to grasp Zhao Fusu's deeper meaning.

Xiang Liang couldn't help but exclaim, "Consul General, this move of yours is truly brilliant! We were worried for you before, but now it seems we were overthinking it."

In his eyes as he looked at Zhao Fusu, there was now a hint more of admiration.

Fan Zeng stroked his beard and nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming with approval: "The Consul General's grasp of the human heart, especially his insight into the psychology of these noblewomen, is truly admirable."

Tian Feng, Zhao Xuan, Han Zhao, and the others also chimed in, full of praise for Zhao Fusu's foresight and wisdom.

Zhao Fusu said with a smile, modestly, "Everyone, you flatter me. I just understand a bit about human nature. I know well women's pursuit of beauty and their competitive psychology; with just a little guidance, their desire to buy can be stimulated infinitely."

One hundred thousand dan of grain was no small amount; from transport to weighing, it took several days of effort to successfully complete the handover.

The cold and elegant noblewoman who won the auction couldn't wait to put on the light catcher.

The dazzling piece of jewelry shimmered with a dreamlike light against her fair neck, making her temperament appear even more noble and cold.

She turned her body gently, drawing envious glances from everyone around her.

Although the other noblewomen were filled with disappointment, they had to admit that the light catcher indeed looked breathtakingly beautiful on her.

Zhao Fusu went to see the warehouse where the grain was stored; looking at the mountain-like piles of grain, it was enough to support them on their journey to the Mauryan Empire.

The Kingdom of Loulan was just like the former Great Qin; the nobles held a vast amount of grain in their hands.

Because the common people at the bottom were exploited by the nobles, they could only eat Guanyin Clay to fill their stomachs.

Using grain as a lure, he should be able to recruit a large number of starving commoners in the Kingdom of Loulan.

Reducing the number of people available for war in the Kingdom of Loulan was also a disguised way of weakening the kingdom's national strength.